Few things boost our ego as regularly as social media. Between our followers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and every other platform we're using, it's easy to think we're beloved. But the ego has its own agenda, and in many ways social media has diluted the meaning of a real friend. The kind that improves the quality of your life (you know, like the one who took care of you when you got divorced rather than the one who likes all of your status updates).

It sounds simple enough, but now's a good time to reflect on who your real friends are.

The goal here isn't to assign everyone in your network into two mutually exclusive groups, friend and non-friend, because relationships aren't black and white. If you want to maintain your friendship with the guy who likes all of your status updates, go for it.

If you come to the conclusion that certain people need to be friend-dumped, that's fine. That's life. But this exercise will identify the people you want to invest in, and those are the people who will benefit from your dedication to becoming a better friend.

2. Be responsive

Nothing makes the ladies of Downton happier than a promptly returned RSVP.Source:Supplied

Remember the last time a long-distance friend called to hear how you and your family was doing, but you forgot to call them back? Remember the last time one of your buddies invited you out, but you didn't respond?

Short of sounding like an after-school special, a good friend is reliable - moreover, reliably responsive.

That doesn't mean you need to answer a call mid-run from your friend who lives on the opposite coast, because this isn't about being available at all hours.

Being habitually responsive, even if it's to decline an invitation, shows your friends that they're important to you.

However, if being unresponsive is the kind of thing that happens regularly, your friends will start to think you're flaky, even if your character is anything but. Remember: actions - and inaction - speak louder than words.

3. Stay in touch

Liking Instagram photos isn't the same as staying in touch. Try picking up the phone once i...Source:Supplied

Speaking of long-distance friends, how easy is it to fall out of touch?

For a lot of us, out of sight means out of mind, which sets the friendship up for failure. We're not suggesting scheduling one-hour catch-up calls every Saturday morning, but if you haven't made time to call one of your real friends in months, it's time to pick up the phone.

And not staying in touch with friends who live in the same city, well, that's especially troubling.

You may think you're connected because you're regularly liking each other's Instagram pictures, but never think passive forms of communication are acceptable substitutes for face-to-face time.

4. Voice your limits

Be sure to say what's OK and what's not ... before thi...Source:Supplied

We were once at a dinner and our friend got up and left without warning. He texted us moments later and explained that we were all preoccupied with our phones and that there was no need for us to hang out; he had better things to do.

You know what? Props to him for calling us out on our behaviour and for setting the example. We teach people how to treat us, so voicing what is and isn't acceptable to you will generally earn your friends' respect.

And, assuming your limits are to promote better behaviours, this will make you a better friend.

5. Take the lead

It's not that your friendship needs a Regina George-type leader ... but a little leadership mightn't...Source:Supplied

It's common for one friend to take the lead in a friendship. They're the ones who suggest hanging out, who call first, who are the first to offer help when you're in need. Sometimes, in response, we take a passive role, expecting them to always make the first move.

That's a form of disrespect a lot of us are unaware of, because it silently communicates that the friendship is being held together by one party.

Step up and initiate here and there so it's not just your friend doing it. It's as simple as a "beers tonight?" text. Demonstrating an (equal) effort will be very well received.